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How many miles will a Chevy Colorado go for?

The Chevy Colorado is a midsize pickup truck known for its impressive fuel efficiency and long-range capabilities. On average, a well-maintained Chevy Colorado can travel between 350 to 450 miles on a single tank of gas, depending on the driving conditions and the specific model.


Factors Affecting the Chevy Colorado's Range


Several factors can influence the distance a Chevy Colorado can travel on a single tank of fuel:



  • Engine and Drivetrain Configuration: The Colorado is available with a variety of engine options, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 3.6-liter V6, and a 2.8-liter turbodiesel. The engine and drivetrain configuration can significantly impact the truck's fuel efficiency and overall range.

  • Driving Conditions: Factors such as terrain, weather, and driving style can all affect the Colorado's fuel economy. Highway driving, for example, is generally more efficient than stop-and-go city driving.

  • Fuel Tank Capacity: The Chevy Colorado's fuel tank capacity ranges from 21 to 24 gallons, depending on the model. A larger fuel tank naturally allows for a longer driving range.li>
  • Maintenance and Upkeep: Proper maintenance, such as regular oil changes and tire rotations, can help optimize the Colorado's fuel efficiency and maximize its driving range.


By considering these factors, Chevy Colorado owners can better understand the potential range of their vehicle and plan their driving accordingly.


Real-World Examples of Chevy Colorado Range


In real-world driving conditions, Chevy Colorado owners have reported a wide range of driving distances on a single tank of fuel:



  • A 2021 Chevy Colorado 2WD with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine has been observed to achieve up to 400 miles on a single tank.li>
  • A 2020 Chevy Colorado 4WD with the 3.6-liter V6 engine has been reported to travel around 350 miles on a full tank.

  • The 2.8-liter turbodiesel-equipped Chevy Colorado has been known to achieve over 450 miles on a single tank of fuel in highway driving conditions.


These real-world examples demonstrate the impressive range capabilities of the Chevy Colorado, making it a practical and efficient choice for both work and leisure driving.

What year to stay away from Chevy Colorado?


The Chevy Colorado years to avoid are primarily the 2004-2006 first-generation models and the 2014-2019 second-generation models due to common issues like transmission problems, engine misfires, and power steering loss. The 2015 model is often cited as the worst year due to widespread transmission and power steering failures. Other years with notable complaints include 2017 for electronics and 2018 for transmission shuddering. 
This video discusses the worst Chevy Colorado years to avoid, focusing on the 2015 model's transmission and steering issues: 1mEveryman DriverYouTube · Dec 22, 2019
Problematic generations and years 

  • First Generation (2004-2006):
    • 2004-2006: Early years are prone to engine misfires and worn-out valve seats. 
  • Second Generation (2014-2019):
    • 2015: This is frequently called out as the worst year due to numerous complaints about the transmission and a high number of power steering system failures. 
    • 2017: Issues with the display screen freezing and phone pairing problems are frequently reported. 
    • 2018: Transmission shuddering and other transmission-related problems were common. 
    • 2014-2019: This period saw many transmission and engine issues, as well as problems with power steering and the HVAC system. 
  • Other years:
    • 2004-2012: These years can have problems with the A/C blower motor and fuel level sensors. 

You can watch this video to learn about potential problems with different generations of the Chevy Colorado: 56sTech TriumphYouTube · Apr 14, 2025
Common issues by category
  • Transmission: Shuddering, sluggish shifting, and premature failure were common, particularly in the 2015-2019 models. 
  • Engine: Misfires and worn-out valve seats were reported in the 2004-2009 and 2016 models. 
  • Steering: A significant number of 2015 models experienced power steering loss, which is a major safety concern. 
  • Electronics: The 2017 model is known for issues like freezing display screens and problems with phone pairing. 
  • HVAC: Malfunctioning A/C blowers were a complaint in the 2004-2010 and 2012 model years. 



How many miles do Chevy Colorados usually last?


A Chevy Colorado can last for 200,000 to 250,000 miles or more with proper maintenance, though the average lifespan is around 163,000 miles or 13 years. To maximize its longevity, it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedule for oil, fluid, and brake changes. Regularly inspecting critical components like the suspension and brakes, and addressing any small issues promptly, will also help it last longer. 
Factors affecting lifespan

  • Maintenance: Following the recommended service intervals for oil, coolant, and transmission fluid is crucial. Some owners suggest more frequent oil changes to help. 
  • Vehicle condition: Regularly checking suspension, brakes, and tires is important. Washing the vehicle frequently to prevent rust, especially in harsh climates, also contributes to longevity. 
  • Driving habits: Consistent, heavy use like towing can put more stress on the vehicle, but proper maintenance is still key. Some owners report high mileage on trucks used for both daily driving and work. 
  • Specific models: Older models from 2009–2011 and 2019–2021 are sometimes cited as having fewer problems due to their build quality. 
  • Reliability ratings: Recent models have received good reliability scores from organizations like J.D. Power, which can be an indicator of long-term performance. 



Is 200k miles on a Chevy bad?


If you take good care of your Chevy Silverado, you can expect it to last anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles—and that's just the baseline. With diligent maintenance and responsible driving, some owners have pushed their trucks well beyond 400,000 miles, proving just how durable these trucks really are.



Is Chevy Colorado a reliable vehicle?


The Chevy Colorado's reliability is generally considered good, especially for more recent model years (2019-2022), which have received "Great" ratings from organizations like J.D. Power. While some model years have had issues like transmission problems in 2015-2016 and 2018, newer models typically score well, with some owner reviews reporting few issues in models with high mileage. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the reliability of the Chevrolet Colorado: 1mConsumer ReportsYouTube · Apr 24, 2024
Reliability scores and ratings

  • J.D. Power: Recent models often receive scores around 80/100, which is considered "Great". The 2021 model, for instance, scored 87/100 and ranked first among midsize trucks. 
  • RepairPal: Gives the Colorado an average reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 4th out of 7 midsize trucks. The average annual repair cost is slightly lower than average for all vehicles, and owners need unscheduled repairs less than once a year. 
  • iSeeCars: Gives the Colorado an 8 out of 10 reliability rating, ranking it 5th out of 7 midsize trucks, with a predicted average lifespan of 162,738 miles. 

Factors to consider
  • Model year: Reliability can vary significantly by model year. For example, 2015, 2016, and 2018 models have been associated with transmission problems. The 2022 and 2023 model years are still dealing with some open recalls. 
  • Maintenance: Proper maintenance is crucial for longevity. The Chevy Colorado can last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles with proper care, and some owners report reaching over 300,000 miles. 
  • Common issues: Some owners have reported issues with electrical systems, computer screens, and taillights on specific models. 
  • Owner satisfaction: Recent models have strong owner satisfaction and fewer major issues, often getting good reviews for comfort, interior, and performance. 

This video discusses common problems with the Chevrolet Colorado: 54sFuel ForceYouTube · Aug 9, 2024


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.